Depth and Complexity Prompts Trisha Field Sharon Campbell

Depth and Complexity Prompts Thinking Tools Essential elements Master a subject

Example: Chemists Language of a Chemist Rules that govern chemistry Different points of view in chemistry When students think using these tools, they learn to approach subjects from the point of view of an expert. In doing so, they will understand concepts in a deeper and more complex way. The best part is, these tools are accessible to young students which means you will have no problem picking them up! Example: Master of Chess language of chess patterns of chess games rules to follow game has changed over time Etc. Ethical decisions chemists face

Depth Complexity Prompts Language of Discipline Details Patterns Unanswered Questions Rules Trends Ethics Big Ideas

Language of Discipline -Vocabulary particular to a field of study SUMMER: Vacation Blistering Humid Language of Discipline

-Defining features or characteristics Details -Defining features or characteristics SUMMER: Hot Weather June, July, August Sunscreen

Patterns -Elements that reoccur -Sequence or order of events SUMMER: No school Go out of town Visit family members

-Information that is missing, unclear, or still unknown SUMMER: Will we go on a summer vacation? Will I get to clean out the garage? Unanswered Questions

Rules -Governing principles, structure, order, guidelines SUMMER: Students stay up late Students sleep in Go to summer camp

-A tendency during a particular duration of time Trends -A tendency during a particular duration of time SUMMER: 2014: geometric prints full skirts 2015: white lace dress khaki nautical theme

Ethics -Ethical principles and possible debates -Values, morals, pros/cons, shades of grey SUMMER: Do we have to take the kids with us on vacation? Can we really afford this trip?

Find activities for kids Big Ideas -Theories, main idea, generalizations, draw conclusions based on evidence SUMMER: Relaxing Time with family Find activities for kids

Depth Complexity Prompts Language of Discipline Across Disciplines Details Patterns Unanswered Questions Rules Trends Ethics Big Ideas Across Disciplines Change Over Time Perspectives

Across the Disciplines -Relationships between fields of study -Within disciplines, between disciplines, across disciplines SUMMER: science (weather) geography (travel)

-Change that happens across or during various time periods SUMMER: Students start excited (June) to boredom (August) New York (2015) & Hawaii (2016) Changes Over Time

Perspectives -Viewpoints, opinions relative to culture and background SUMMER: Students: “Yay! No school.” Parents: “I need to find daycare.” Others: “I haven’t had a summer vacation since college.”

Depth and Complexity Frame What are the 3 most important details from the article? What is the Big Idea of this article? Title of Article: After reading the article, what questions do you have? During the training, the teachers were introduced to using depth and complexity frames in their classrooms. This is probably the most common way teachers are integrating the prompts into their instruction. On the following page, there are some additional ways teachers may be using the prompts. How does this article relate to what you are learning in science?

Activity: Using a Depth & Complexity Frame, respond to 4 prompts using the theme “Children” Examples: Language of the Discipline Perspectives Changes over time Birthday Party Ethics

Depth and Complexity Handout Thank You

New Depth and Complexity Prompts